Coburn: Obama 'absolutely' exaggerating on sequester

2/24/13 9:15 AM EST

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) says the Obama administration is “absolutely” exaggerating the effects of the sequester – just days before the automatic budget cuts are set to hit government coffers.

“There’s easy ways to cut this money that the American people will never feel … not cutting spending is going to be disastrous for our country,” Coburn said on “Fox News Sunday.”

President Barack Obama and his administration has launched an offensive in recent days to warn the public about the consequences of the impending sequestration, such as clogged air travel and reduced numbers of first responders on the scene.

Coburn added that he believes the sequester, which he called “terrible” and “stupid,” will go into effect on Friday. Speaking on the same show, Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) agreed that the budget cuts will kick in, “unless the Republicans are willing to compromise and do a balanced approach.”